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WARREN -- Township officials say they are doing what they can to attract police officers and firefighters but noted that the employees in the two departments do leave for more money in other communities such as Warren city and Lordstown village.
At their meeting Tuesday, trustees accepted resignations from full-time police officers Anthony Demyan and James Johnson, effective Oct. 13.
Trustees also accepted resignation of full-time officer Dennis Mohan from the department, effective Oct. 27. He is going to a full-time job outside law enforcement, but was approved for part-time work at $15 per hour, effective, Oct. 28.
In addition, police Sgt. Dan Peterson is leaving Nov. 10 after 32 years with the department.
As for the fire department, trustees accepted the resignations of Chad Grimm as part-time basic emergency medical technician and Greg Wrightsman as an EMT'
Trustee Ed Anthony said trustees do what they can to get people but noted the township can't compete with larger communities, such was Warren city, that can pay more.
"There is change in the police department with a retirement and other leaving for other jobs," he said.
He said trustees have been able to hire some part-time employees.
At the meeting, trustees hired Brian Dobbins as a part-time police officer at $15 per hour.
Resident Matthew Griggs said he is concerned the township is losing firefighthers and police officers and suggested the township look at paying what other neighboring townships are paying.
Griggs said he understands the township can't pay what Warren city does, including a $10,000 sign on for a three-year commitment.
He said Braceville, which has less population and fewer businesses, pays their basic emergency medical technicians $15 per hour while Warren Township pays $12 per hour. Griggs said Braceville pays their fire medics $17 per hour and Warren Township pays $13 per hour.
"We need to be more competitive," Griggs said. "We are losing people."
Anthony said it has been challenging for the township and many communities to find and keep staff for the fire, police and road departments.
Last month, trustees hired Eric Setlele and Travis Sheese as part-time police officers at $15 per hour; and Ambrosia St. John, Anthony Moore and Christy Lee Briggs as part-time basic emergency medical technicians at $12 per hour.
Anthony said trustees were aware that police were expected to leave shortly for full-time positions in Warren city.
Fire Chief Joseph Natali said the additional staff will help get more shifts covered.
Anthony said police Chief Ben Harrell has been working extra hours as police officers nearing retirement are using their remaining time off for vacation.
"We are doing what we can to get additional staff to help keep our community safe," he said.
Anthony said people have the right to better themselves.
"I can understand someone going to Warren and making $7 more an hour. Aurora offers $32 per hour," Anthony said.
The staff shortages in fire, police and road departments have residents concerned as officials have said the fire department has had to rely on mutual aid from nearby departments to respond to calls.